Apple and Samsung are revising designs to meet the new rules, with possible exceptions for flagship models that keep non-removable batteries under durability exemptions, while enabling third-party repair efforts and recognizing that unified production and supply chains could spread the policy globally.

The European Union will enforce a regulation in early 2027 requiring removable, user-replaceable batteries in smartphones, tablets, and portable devices across all member states, aiming to curb planned obsolescence and save consumers up to €20 billion by 2030 through fewer replacements.

The rule bans heat-activated glues and mandates mechanical or tab-based battery removal, forbidding solvents and high-temperature processes for access, and it prohibits software-locked parts-pairing that blocks independent repair.

Replacement batteries must be available for at least five years after a model is sold, and pricing must be reasonable and non-discriminatory to prevent price gouging that would push consumers toward new devices.

An accompanying EU package requires spare parts availability for seven years after a model is discontinued, five years of free software updates, and durability standards including surviving 45 one-meter drops without a case.

A 1,000-cycle battery durability threshold will determine if a device is user-replaceable, with firms reshaping internal architectures to meet the threshold while preserving longevity and repairability.

A consumer-facing labeling system will rate battery life, energy efficiency, durability, and repairability starting with the 2027 model year, with penalties at the point of sale for devices scoring poorly on repairability.

The regulation is expected to have a global impact as manufacturers standardize compliant architectures across markets to avoid parallel production lines, potentially reshaping Apple and Samsung product strategies and timelines.